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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To feel potentially discriminated against?

15 replies

Misstomrs · 28/09/2017 22:24

Evening all!
I'm after people's experiences and advice really. Gave up a demanding 50K FT job to take a 35K (pro rats) PT job to give me more time to support my son into nursery. Having done that - short term, 6 months post mat leave - I am now looking to return to a similar grade of role on a PT basis. I have applied for two recently that say they are open to full or part time, although neither specified what part time hours would be possible / preferable. I have met the person spec fully in both, and requested 3 / 4 days. I have not been shortlisted for either. I can't ask for feedback as it's the shortlisting stage but it made me wonder whether the part time work option is a bit of a red herring. I'm not being arrogant but I've done the jobs they're advertising for 10 years so apart from my mat leave and PT requests there isn't a reason not to shortlist. I've had peers check my applications and the JDs so it's not just my opinion on this. Have others had this issue after mat leave / when requesting part time, even if it's offered on the ad? I'm planning to not declare it next time and see what happens, then raise it at interview, which is a real shame as I prefer to be more open. Genuinely interested In experiences. Thank you!

OP posts:

lionsleepstonight · 28/09/2017 22:31

I wouldn't even mention it at interview. I'd wait til it was offered, just in case!

Bringmewineandcake · 28/09/2017 22:39

Yes I have. I returned to my current role after 2nd lot of Mat leave as new employers really don't want part time people.
They'd much rather take on a less capable person 5 days a week than someone perfect for the role who is looking for 3/4 days

Fantasticmissfoxy · 29/09/2017 08:10

Is it possible they are listing the part time option in case they don't get any full time candidates but that FT would be preferred?

Original poster

Misstomrs · 30/09/2017 07:49

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure if there isn't more traffic because people feel its obvious or people feel I'm making a fuss about nothing. Either way, fantasticmissfoxy the ad was really clear both full and part were possible.

OP posts:

SandSnakeOfDorne · 30/09/2017 07:53

Don't specify it on your application. It's something to discuss after they've made you an offer, not at the point of application.

There's also a possibility that they're questioning your recent work history. You took a more junior role for six months and now want to move back into the level of seniority you were before? They may well be wondering whether you left the more senior role voluntarily.

WipsGlitter · 30/09/2017 08:01

Agree to leave it until the job offer to mention it.

Have you been in the "lesser" job for six months? Does it make you look like you're jumping around jobs?

ReinettePompadour · 30/09/2017 08:02

I wouldn't mention that you want part time until the interview. If they like you and they really want you to be part of their team then you can negotiate at a later point.

If their preference is full time and theyre just adding part time to the ad just to meet the companies requirements for offering part time hours, to make the company look more progressive etc, then you wont get anywhere by applying for part time with them.

They may also be concerned about the reasons you dropped such a large salary. To go from 50k to 35k could look like you got into some bother with your previous company, needed to take the first job that came along and that you haven't declared it in your cv rather than it being a genuine choice made by you. Don't put your previous salary on your cv.

Silver47 · 30/09/2017 08:06

I think you are being completely unrealistic to apply for two jobs and feel you are being discriminated against because you haven't been shortlisted.

try applying for 60 or 70, that would be more in the ball park area of being able to say there is something wrong with your application if you are not hearing back from anyone.

Original poster

Misstomrs · 30/09/2017 08:08

Thanks everyone. All good advice. I haven't put my salaries on the cv but I think I do need to change it because at the moment you're right the shift looks odd. How do I explain it without making it look bad / without giving away I have a small child as I worry this is also creating a problem?

OP posts:

ceeveebee · 30/09/2017 08:08

I'm now in my 3rd senior part time role. I have never mentioned that I would like part time until towards the end of the interview stage, when I am confident that it's gone well. In fact in my last job, I negotiated that I would get the same full time salary but only work 3 days a week.

JustMumNowNotMe · 30/09/2017 08:09

Which protected characteristic is it that you feel you are being discriminated against?!

You may have more success as PT if you do half the hours, given its much easier to employ someone for say 2.5 days than 1 as you would be suggesting by asking for 4 days.

If lots of applicants are able to do FT, then these will be shortlisted first, those wanting a job share next. Wanting 4 days will come last as it is the most tricky to work around.

ReinettePompadour · 30/09/2017 08:27

How do I explain it without making it look bad / without giving away I have a small child You just say that you have taken reduced hours to bring up/spend time with your family.

Most recruiters will have taken time out or reduced hours to bring up their children so you wont be discriminated against on that basis. By avoiding giving the real reason for your situation just makes it look like youre hiding something.

Honestly you will be fine stating that. Try job hunting after 15 years as an at home parent. Thats almost impossible to get an interview with on your cv no matter how much voluntary work you've done. 2 applications is a tiny amount to feel you are being discriminated against. I'm on my 400+ application in a little over 3 years

lionsleepstonight · 30/09/2017 08:30

I think at a senior level at 4 days just means squeezing 5 days work into 4, and no phone calls on the 5th day! And paid for 4 obs.

SandSnakeOfDorne · 30/09/2017 08:59

I think applying for part-time means you are effectively already stating you have a small child. But you could say something like 'to cover additional family responsibilities for a short period'.

The number of jobs applied for in entirely different sectors is irrelevant. Presumably OP knows her sector and knows how likely she is to get shortlisted. She's likely to be part of a relatively small pool of applicants at that sort of level in a specific sector. Trying to get any job after 15 years out of the labour market is quite different.

Love51 · 30/09/2017 09:10

I put the actual salary as it is stated, not what I'm earning. So if I'm doing a job that pays £30k part time so what I actually earn is £24k, I put £30k, as I am working at that level and grade. And part time is a big thing in my sector. No one cares that i worked 3 days then 2.5 then 3.5, so my actual salary was all over the place within the same grade. If I just put the £24k it makes me look more junior than I am!

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